The Exchange #12 Beyond Bricks and Mortar

On Monday, June 16, 2025, NTB hosted The Exchange #12: Beyond Bricks and Mortar at Frome Town Hall.

This time, we were joined by the Elephant Team from the University of Bath, who led a session on the societal pressures—beyond cost—that prevent our clients from utilising more innovative and sustainable materials in their projects. They introduced us to Manfred Max-Neef’s model of fundamental needs versus satisfiers and presented a newly game “Beyond Bricks and Mortar.” This game is designed to help people establish their needs for their homes and demonstrate the importance material choice has for satisfying those needs.

After lunch, we had the privilege of hearing from Caroline Till, who highlighted the impactful work of Franklin Till. She shared invaluable insights from their pioneering experience in design and material innovations. This presentation provided us with a compelling vision of a regenerative future that promotes positive social and environmental change, emphasising the critical importance of innovation in our material choices as designers.

It was great!

The agenda on the day was:

09.30 – 09.45 | Arrivals, Tea and Coffee

09.45 – 10.00 | Introductions and NTB updates

10.00 – 10.15 | Introducing the Elephant  | Taghried Abdelmagid, Bath University

10.15 – 10.55| Needs vs Satisfiers | Joel Lazarus, Bath University

10.55 – 11.00 | The Elephant Game Introduction | Patrick Barry, Bath University

11.00 – 11.10 | Tea Break

11.10 – 12.30| The Elephant Game | Facilitated by Patrick, Joel, Laura and Taghried, Bath University

12.30 – 13:15 | Lunch

13:15 – 14:00 | Regenerative Design and Alternative Materials | Caroline Till, Franklin Till

14:00 – 14:15 | Reflection and feedback.